Richie Loop gets major boost from EDM megastar Hardwell

Richie Loop leapt into the public eye after the release of his wildly successful single, My Cupp (in 2010). Now, nearly a decade later, the dancehall producer and songwriter continues his pursuit of super stardom. Last weekend, Loop found himself flying from Estonia to Finland to perform just one song during the world-famous EDM DJ Hardwell's headlining set at Weekend Festival 2018.

"I performed one song and got off the stage. It wasn't a long-lived performance, but a friendly gesture between Harwell and I. The link was strong. So, big respect to him," he told The Gleaner.

Loop met Hardwell through their mutual friend and colleague, Henry Ford. "I did some vocals for Henry, who was co-producing a track with Hardwell," he explained. The song, called Badam, was released in 2017 on Hardwell Revealed Volume 8, but instead of Loop, the final product features the vocals of Mr Vegas.

Making it to Finland was not an easy venture. Loop said that he dedicated himself to EDM in 2012. "It's not like I just came up, and 'boom'. I had to put in a lot of work. If there are artistes out there who really want to do these type of music, they have to put in work, time and effort to make contact with people. Just be patient. It's not as easy as it looks. Just be focused and put your work in," Loop advised.

He added, "I have many international collaborations coming. I'm working to perform on more festivals around the world. Tomorrowland, Sunburn, Weekend Festival, all these festivals. I'm trying to get myself to the level as these guys. My aim is to be one of the top MCs, entertainers, vocalists in the game. That's my agenda."

From his guest spot during Hardwell's set, Loop was afforded the chance to interact with the likes of Axewell & Ingrosso, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, and Lil Yatchy. Breakout UK stars recording artiste Stefflon Don and comedian Big Shaq who were also billed to perform.

Before his move into EDM music and before the success of My Cupp and Party Like It's Your Birthday, Loop worked the dancehall circuit as a producer.

Shaggy, Busy Signal, Christopher Martin, Ce'cile, Voicemail, Lukie D, Tony Matterhorn, and D-Major are some of the artistes he has worked with.